Salt Lake City duo The Deaf & the Musician merge sign language with music to create a unique experience for all who attend, in an effort to encourage the deaf community to enjoy music events. They will perform in Mancos and Cortez later this month.
Longtime friends Cindy McAllister and Ben Brinton started working together during the pandemic, according to an article from The Salt Lake Tribune. Brinton would play the guitar, and McAllister, who is deaf, would sign the lyrics, creating a one-of-a-kind performance.
Their inspiration came from McAllister’s longtime dislike of concerts and music in general. Her struggle with American Sign Language interpreters at concerts and other hearing events made it difficult to feel immersed in the experience. The duo wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
The chemistry between Brinton and McAllister is what makes the show so enjoyable, the Tribune article reported. McAllister is also able to involve the audience by teaching them the ASL for colors or swear words.
“There’s more thought that goes into what we’re trying to perform or sign, a little deeper thinking,” Brinton told the Tribune reporter.
The duo is constantly looking for feedback, especially from the deaf community, so they can improve their act and attract the interest of more deaf people.
The Deaf & The Musician will play at the Mancos Brewing Co. on Friday, July 21 at 6 p.m., the WildEdge Brewing Collective in Cortez on Saturday, July 22 at 6 p.m., and at Fenceline Cider in Mancos on Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m.
